Physical Oceanography
VIII. Current and Future Research

The internal tide in the Monterey Submarine Canyon is one of the remarkable effects caused by the presence of the Canyon cutting across Monterey Bay. It is no surprise that much effort has been expended in investigating
Canyon processes. The Canyon acts as a deep water conduit
bringing offshore waters and organisms directly into the Bay and at the
same time acting as a sediment drain. Yet with all
the attention that Canyon research has received and deserves, it may be
worthwhile to point out that our knowledge of the water circulation in the
shallow northern and southern bights is incomplete. These are the areas
of greatest recreational use of Bay waters, and one would like to draw a
chart showing the "average" surface circulation. With all the
attention that has been directed to MBNMS, and with the application of sophisticated
satellite remote sensing, CODAR and ADCP current measurements, that goal
may be now realized.